Mali: civilians killed in alleged Africa Corps airstrikes

Human Rights Watch has accused Russian-linked paramilitary forces, the Africa Corps, of carrying out a deadly airstrike in central Mali that resulted in the deaths of eight civilians, including three children. The incident occurred on June 15 in the village of Kyrnia, Mopti region, with no jihadist fighters reported among the victims.

Civilian casualties in Kyrnia village

According to a Human Rights Watch report released Friday, a Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft dropped at least two bombs on Kyrnia. The first strike hit the village chief’s residence, killing his wife and three children. The second targeted a nearby livestock market, claiming four additional lives and injuring several others. The NGO confirmed that none of the victims had any ties to armed groups.

Africa Corps claims jihadist target

The Africa Corps, which supports Malian forces in combating jihadist groups, asserted on social media that the operation targeted a « terrorist gathering site. » However, while witnesses reported the presence of Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) fighters in the village at the time of the attack, there is no evidence linking the civilian victims to combat activities.